Dhaka Tribune: Why is the BNP staging protests throughout the country ahead of the next general elections?
Tabith Awal: The effects of this movement are intensifying because the protests are well-timed. I believe the kind of movement we are orchestrating all over Bangladesh is the call of the time. The more we work on the ground the more visible we are, and naturally more ordinary people are supporting us. Therefore, I believe the movement is progressing effectively and fulfilling the demands of the status quo.
What are the three key demands of the movement?
First of all, to solidify the democratic process. That democratic process is not just about elections, but about how a democratic country should run. Everybody has the right to seek justice, and law and order should be the same for everyone. There should be no discrimination in rebuilding the democratic institutions that have been destroyed.
Second, everyone's livelihood is being endangered at this moment due to the rise in commodity prices. We believe that we have to protect them and rise against the syndicates behind price hikes.
Third, we want to free the people who have been sued or arrested in false cases for raising their voice against the autocratic government.
Your movement is about the establishment of a neutral government and contemporary issues. Do you think these demonstrations will continue till the elections?
We are still saying that the elections that were held in the past decade were not held in a lawful manner or through the people's votes. So, an election, according to the law, could happen at any time. According to the law, an election following the Constitution could be good or bad, but it is a continuous process. So, our current demand is to ensure that Bangladesh is governed as per the law. Then there can be an election supervised by the government, whenever it could be. In that election, every political party has to participate fairly and every voter must be able to vote fearlessly. A public verdict has to be declared through a proper count. Saying when and on which date this will happen is impossible, but our goal is to make sure that it happens very soon.
The Election Commission, which had been formed controversially, is trying to give an outline of its work. We do not agree with that outline. If they want to implement this outline, we will not be joining the polls.
CourtesyIf there is no interim government or non-party government, will you join the election?
Our beliefs and statements surrounding the election are very clear: we will not join any election under the present illegal government, whatever the kind of election. We didn't only demand an election acceptable by all, under an acceptable government structure, we are also fighting for it. The BNP will join the election on a political compromise that every registered political party agrees upon. So, we don't want to give it any name or strong title here. However, it is clear to us in this fight that the BNP will not go to any election under this government. The election should be postponed, if necessary.
Do you think violence may increase due to a hostile political environment?
I can say on record that if the past days are to be analyzed: violence, fighting, brutality -- all this going on one-sidedly. If we don't try to turn around from this situation, the violence will only continue to grow and more innocent lives will be lost. But we won't be able to reach any political or social solution. The people who have the weapons and power in their hands or those who try to misuse it, have to realize this and come to a path of mutual solution. If they don't want to do this, as I said, every force has an equal and opposite counterforce. You have seen internationally how a single person's sacrifice makes a huge explosion. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know we are not going to compromise. As we are facing harassment or violence, we are never afraid nor will we ever compromise.
If BNP comes to power, which laws will it change?
The BNP said clearly in its 2018 manifesto that if we form a government, first and foremost, we would rectify the two black laws - the Digital Security Act and the Official Secrets Act. We would also bring enough amendments to the Road Safety Act to ensure that citizens are protected and transport workers aren't harassed if they do nothing wrong intentionally and get a position to defend themselves. We would also amend the laws that have been passed in Parliament illegally.
What is your opinion about the young generation in politics?
The BNP always welcomes the young generation in politics because the youth will change the country. Their talent, creativity and prudence will create a positive vibe in politics which can go further under the supervision of seniors. From the Language Movement to the anti-Ershad movement, we have seen student movements everywhere. But for that, the current youth should be kept away from communal attitudes.
Our institutions and families have to do something so that racial and religious hatred does not take root in their minds. Sports is a way to keep the young generation away from militancy, communalism, and caste hatred. Sports can play a big role in helping them develop their mindsets, bodies, progressive attitudes and positive energy. From villages to cities, schools and colleges should not keep sports as a PT subject, but expand the activities. Sports facilities should be delivered to everyone's doorstep.
